Bridges’ unique form
Valley of the Suns: Mikal Bridges has always had a strange looking shot. What do you see in his form? Does it compare to anyone else?
@Behind Curve: The player whose shot his reminds me of the most is probably Kevin Durant.
They both have really long arms, which presents some unique challenges for a shooter. For one, the ball is further off their chest on the way up to release point. They both like a distinct left-of-center line where the ball is more in line with their heart than their right shoulder. And they both have a very a high release.
But before you get too excited, there are a couple key differences.
Bridges doesn’t quite have a “hitch” where the ball goes behind his head like Derek Fisher’s shot. But he has a “pause,” as seen here:
His release is a bit of a sling-shot (from forwards in front of his chest, backwards towards his set-point, pause, then fire), but he does finish with a perfect follow through, most comparable to KD.
There is a bit of a resemblance to Rashard Lewis’ mechanical but effective shot.
Imagine if Kevin Durant’s and Rashard Lewis’s jump shots had a baby jumpshot. Sure, it’s sort of mechanical and a bit gangly like its parents, but it’s still sweet and deadly with lots of potential.
Once in a blue moon, this guy’s form comes to my mind when I watch Mikal, although Ray Allen has less of a pause: